Business and Social Impact

This course is part of the UBC Future Global Leaders online program for high school students ages 15–18.

Our world is complex: the social, environmental and economic needs of our planet and people have never been greater. But business cannot afford to take a back seat to these needs. The business winners of the future will be companies that can use sustainability as an opportunity instead of a barrier.

Using real companies as examples, understand the foundations of businesses that have true social impact. Work in teams to build a model business, gaining knowledge of strategy, marketing and operations along the way. At the end of the course, you’ll have an opportunity to pitch your social enterprise idea to the class.

This course is ideal if you’re interested in business and are committed to making a difference.

Dr. ERIKA WONG, PhD, is a start-up founder, practising artist, podcast co-host and lecturer at various institutions. She has worked internationally in tech, fashion, and art strategising. She is a Fellow in Higher Education holding a PhD in Business from the University of Brighton in Brighton, England; an MA in Creative Practice for Narrative Environment from Central St. Martins in London, England; and a BFA from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California.

Virtual student lounge

All UBC Future Global Leaders students have access to the online Virtual Student Lounge where they can hang out and develop friendships with students from across Canada and around the world.

To register

After you add the course to your cart, you’re asked to complete your registration by creating a new account or logging in. If you are a parent, guardian or other adult registering for the first time on behalf of your student, please create the account in the name of the high school student attending UBC Future Global Leaders, not in your name.

Expected effort

In addition to the live virtual classes and office hours, you can expect to spend 1-2 hours per week reading, researching and participating in discussion boards.

Technology requirements

This course is hosted on Canvas, a learning management system, and live lectures are delivered by Zoom. One business day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.

Course format

This course is 100% online and instructor-supported with real-time classes, and virtual drop-in office hours during the course.

Fall/Winter term (September – December / January – April)

Attend live virtual classes once a week on Saturdays for two hours for 10 weeks.

Summer term (July and August)

Attend live virtual classes two hours a day from Monday to Friday for three weeks.

All class times are in the Pacific Time Zone (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

Available sessions

There are no upcoming sessions currently scheduled for this course.

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